Hyde Park Barracks

Address

Queens Square, Macquarie Street Sydney NSW 2000

Phone +61 2 8239 2311

By public transport

The Hyde Park Barracks is located at the southern (Hyde Park) end of Macquarie Street, next to The Mint.

For up-to-date timetables or to find the quickest public transport routes visit the Transport Infoline or call 131500.

Train

The Hyde Park Barracks is a 5-minute walk from St James Station and a 7-minute walk from Martin Place Station.

Bus

The nearest bus stops are on Elizabeth Street at Hyde Park, which is a 5-minute walk away.

By road

Buses can stop on Prince Albert Road to drop off and pick up passengers. There are bus parking zones on Macquarie Street where drivers are required to remain with their vehicles.

Parking

There is no public parking at the Hyde Park Barracks. Limited metered parking is available in the streets around the Royal Botanic Garden and Hyde Park.

Paid parking is available at the nearby Wilson - The Domain car park. The online promo code MHNSW is valid between Monday – Friday 6am–5pm. Pre-booking is required online via Book a Bay.

Cycling

There is no secure parking for bicycles at the Hyde Park Barracks.

Visitors will be given a sanitised iPod and headphones on arrival. If possible, you are encouraged to bring and use your own headset (standard 3.5mm jack or a lightning connector for Apple earpods required).

The Hyde Park Barracks experience uses immersive audio technology which is designed to make visitors feel as if they themselves have stepped back in time. As you move around the museum, the technology can tell where you are and make sure that what they hear through the headset matches their location.

The self-guided audio experience is suitable for ages 8+.

Sessions start every half hour and you can enter at any time within your 30 minute session entry time. The experience takes about 90 minutes to complete.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that the experience contains names and images of people who have passed away.

Some rooms include bright, flickering lights and large-scale projections of the ocean.

Hyde Park Barracks Kids’ Trail available

Hear the fascinating story of the Barracks as told by some of the convicts and immigrants who lived there. Listen for clues and complete fun activities – spot the rats, draw your own convict tattoo and more!

Groups larger than 20 must pre-book their visit through our bookings team on +61 2 8239 2211 or bookings@mhnsw.au.

The following accessible versions of the self-guided experience are available:

• A mobility self-guided experience option for wheelchair users (the main Barracks building has lift access).
• Neck loops for hearing aid with telecoil (“T” switch). These are compatible with the audio device. Not suitable for visitors with pacemakers.
• An iPad with descriptive text for visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• A descriptive self-guided experience option for visitors who are blind or have low vision.

If you require an accessible version of the self-guided experience, we recommend booking it prior to your visit by calling +61 2 8239 2211 during business hours or by emailing bookings@mhnsw.au. Alternatively, you can inquire when you arrive at the Ticketing desk. Please note that numbers of iPad devices are limited, and subject to availability.

All accessibility equipment is cleaned and sanitised according to NSW Health guidelines.

Access aids

The following access aids are available for free hire:

• wheelchairs
• video magnifiers

If you require an access aid, we recommend booking it prior to your visit by calling 02 8239 2211 during business hours. Alternatively, you can inquire when you arrive at the Ticketing desk. Please note that access aid equipment is limited, and subject to availability.

For visitors with limited mobility

A mobility version of the self-guided experience is available for wheelchair users.

Wheelchair access

Due to the heritage nature of the site, wheelchair users follow a continuous and consistent path through the Hyde Park Barracks.

Wheelchairs are available for free hire. We recommend booking a wheelchair prior to your visit.

Lifts and ramps

There are a number of entrances to the Hyde Park Barracks from Macquarie Street and Prince Albert Road. We recommend entering the Hyde Park Barracks via the main entrance on Macquarie Street.

There is lift access in the main Barracks building. Ramp access is provided across the site where needed to ensure a continuous and consistent path.

For visitors who are blind or have low vision

A descriptive version of the self-guided experience is available for visitors who are blind or have low vision.

Video magnifiers are available for free hire. We recommend booking a video magnifier prior to your visit.

We welcome assistance animals, and a water bowl is available at the rear building.
As part of the experience, there is a tactile model of the Hyde Park Barracks.

For visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing

iPads with descriptive text are available for visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing.

We recommend booking an iPad with descriptive text prior to your visit, as numbers of these devices are limited and they are subject to availability.

For visitors with autism or sensory sensitivities

Tips for a low-sensory visit

Minimise the time you or your family spends in a queue by buying tickets online before your visit.

Some rooms include bright, flickering lights and large scale projections of the ocean which may cause sensory overload, spatial disorientation or motion sickness.

For more information in advance of your visit call 02 8239 2211 during business hours. Alternatively, you can inquire when you arrive at the Ticketing desk.

For carers

Carers are offered free entry to the museum when they visit in an attendant role. If you or your carer wish to purchase tickets in advance of your visit please call Bookings on +61 2 8239 2211 during business hours and we will arrange for a free carer ticket with paid ticket. Alternatively, you can inquire when you arrive at the Ticketing desk. Please ensure your Companion Card or carer card is presented on arrival.

Purchase the souvenir book to remember your Hyde Park Barracks visit.

The souvenir book showcases some of the stories told at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hyde Park Barracks, a fascinating building that holds the key to understanding Australia’s modern beginnings.

The book is available:

• to be purchased online when you buy tickets for entry, or
• at the end of your visit in the museum shop, or
• for purchase from our online shop.

A Chinese language (Mandarin) self-guided tour is available. Ask at Reception.

Located in the historic precinct of Macquarie Street, in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, this elegant 1819 building was designed by the celebrated architect Francis Greenway as accommodation for his fellow convicts.

Visit venue hire for more information.